At the age of fifteen, Sir Paul Smith left school with the ambition of becoming a professional racing cyclist. But, after an horrific cycling accident the following year, he saw his dream prematurely fade. However, cycling’s loss was fashion’s gain, as Smith opened his first clothing store in 1970, and the rest is history.

For a new book release titled Paul Smith’s Cycling Scrapbook, the London designer traces his two-wheel obsession and explores the world he feels so closely aligned to. Aptly timed with this month’s ongoing Giro d’Italia, the first of the year’s Grand (cycling) Tours.

Smith’s designs are always personal, and that cycling aesthetic so close to his heart is a reappearing motif throughout his prolific body of work – you only have to rewind to FW16 to see Smith’s latest cycling jersey reinterpretations. Perhaps more than any other sport, cycling has it’s own engrained design codes, think to the iconic maillot jaune – the yellow jersey worn by the leader in the Tour de France – or the debonair cool of the late Italian cyclist Fausto Coppi.

Within the pages of his scrapbook, Smith lays out a visual compilation of his many cycling projects and impressive memorabilia collection including his many cycling jerseys, sourced worldwide (Italy is a particular hotbed, “In Forte di Marmi, a resort in Tuscany, there is a big market twice a year, and there’s a man who sells old jerseys,” says Smith). The publication also traces the sport’s heritage, from it’s beginnings – the first known race is popularly traced back to a 1,200 meter race on 31 May 1868 at the Parc de Saint-Cloud, Paris – to Bradley Wiggins’ recent triumphs.

And from the Pavé cycling streets to the sun-kissed desert, Smith has also been busy creating a new psychedelic interpretation of Italian furniture brand Gufram’s iconic cactus-shaped coat stand design.

Adapting the original deep emerald green design to vibrant pinks, blues and greens, this prickly new drop will be available in a limited edition of just 169, and will be presented during this year’s Milan design week at Salone Del Mobile. Nab one whilst you can and convert your front room into a trippy Jodorowsky backdrop.

Paul Smith’s Cycling Scrapbook is available now.